Funder:
Swedish Institute (SI Baltic Sea Neighbourhood Programme)

Project Duration:
September 2025 – August 2027 (12–24 months)

Lead Partner:
Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)

Partners:
• Swedish Civil Defence League (Sweden)
• Estonian Rescue Association (Päästeliit) (Estonia)
• VOVCHOK Folk High School (Ukraine)

Objective

The project aims to strengthen disaster risk reduction (DRR) and crisis preparedness capacities in the Baltic Sea Region and Ukraine by promoting more effective cooperation between the public sector and civil society.
The project focuses on experience exchange, development of cooperation models, and enhancing the role of volunteers within crisis management systems.

Key Activities

• Developing a cooperation mechanism between authorities and civil society in the field of crisis management.
• Creating a training programme and learning materials for implementing the cooperation model in Estonia, Sweden, and Ukraine.
• Conducting pilot tests and exercises addressing both military and natural disaster scenarios.
• Engaging stakeholders and supporting policy development through consultations, workshops, and seminars.
• Communication and awareness-raising among authorities, volunteers, and local communities in the BSR countries and Ukraine.

Role of the Estonian Rescue Association (Päästeliit)

The Estonian Rescue Association is one of the project’s key partners, with the following responsibilities:

1. Representing Estonian civil society and volunteer rescue organisations in international cooperation.
2. Contributing Estonian experience in developing collaboration between public and volunteer sectors.
3. Participating in the development of the cooperation mechanism and training materials.
4. Organising training sessions and workshops in Estonia, involving volunteers and local municipalities.
5. Conducting pilot activities and simulation exercises (e.g. extreme weather or military crisis scenarios).
6. Disseminating project results in Estonia and the Baltic Sea Region, including through the BSR NOVA network.

Expected Results

• A joint cooperation mechanism model to strengthen public–civil society partnerships.
• A training programme and handbook usable by both authorities and volunteers.
• Improved coordination and trust among stakeholders during crises.
• • A strengthened and more visible role for volunteers in societal crisis preparedness.

Future and Follow-Up Actions

Partners plan to continue cooperation through the BSR NOVA network and the CBSS Civil Protection Network, and to apply for additional funding (e.g. Horizon Europe, DG ECHO).
The Estonian Rescue Association will use the project results in training its member organisations and in collaboration with national rescue authorities.